monolithic

adjective

mono·​lith·​ic ˌmä-nə-ˈli-thik How to pronounce monolithic (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or resembling a monolith : huge, massive
a large monolithic building
an influential monolithic organization
b(1)
: formed from a single crystal
a monolithic silicon chip
(2)
: produced in or on a monolithic chip (see chip entry 1 sense 6b)
a monolithic circuit
2
a
: cast as a single piece
a monolithic concrete wall
b
: formed or composed of material without joints or seams
a monolithic floor covering
c
: consisting of or constituting a single unit
3
a
: constituting a massive undifferentiated and often rigid whole
a monolithic society
b
: exhibiting or characterized by often rigidly fixed uniformity
monolithic party unity
monolithically adverb

Examples of monolithic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jewish voters are not monolithic and their individual interests and concerns are far broader and more complicated than the issues of Israel and domestic antisemitism. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 7 Mar. 2025 Diller Scofidio + Renfro proved to be one of the beneficiaries when it was commissioned to design The Shed, a monolithic cultural center at the nearby Hudson Yards development that opened, to mixed reviews, in 2019. Oscar Holland, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 The manufacturing tech landscape is dense with monolithic systems that run counter to lean principles. Natan Linder, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025 Much like Stonehenge, the monolithic statues at Easter Island, and other premodern engineering marvels, much of Machu Picchu’s construction remains shrouded in mystery. Hannah Edgar, ARTnews.com, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for monolithic

Word History

Etymology

see monolith

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of monolithic was in 1825

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Cite this Entry

“Monolithic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monolithic. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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